Sam Dalby joins Wrexham and Jake Hyde heads to Southend on loan

The 6ft 2in centre forward has joined the Reds from National League rivals Southend United for an undisclosed fee, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option for a third season,

Dalby scored 10 goals in 47 appearances for Southend last season following his arrival from Watford and was voted the Blues' young player of the year, and he becomes the fifth new signing of the summer at The Racecourse after Jordan Tunnicliffe, Mark Howard, Elliot Lee and Anthony Forde.

Manager Phil Parkinson was eager to add to his attacking options and Dalby will be aiming to push the Reds' first choice strike partnership of Mullin and Palmer for a starting berth.

Mullin bagged 30 goals in all competitions in 2021-22, landing him the National League player of the season award, while Palmer found the net 16 times following his January move from AFC Wimbledon, but Dalby is relishing the challenge.

"It is going to be a challenge because there is a lot of competition for places in the squad, especially up top with Palmer and Mullin who are two very good strikers," said Dalby, who will also have Dior Angus and Jake Bickerstaff as rivals for a place in the Wrexham attack.

"It will be a challenge getting in ahead of those two but as long as I can learn from them and push them to be better, they will push me to be better as well.

"The aim is to play as many games as I can and impress when I play.

"It is up to me to push on and show what I can do, and once I get in the team, stay there.

"Scoring goals will be a big part of it and just helping the team with my general play; linking up with the other strikers and midfielders is obviously a big part."

As part of the deal, Jake Hyde will join Southend on a season-long loan.

Hyde arrived at The Racecourse from Halifax Town last summer and scored three goals in his first six appearances, but was limited to just 16 appearances in all competitions in 2021/22 due to

injury.